| Extremely easy to grow and divide, their rainbow of papery petals and fuzzy "beards" that decorate the lower petals appeal to every flower lover. The large, elegant flowers come in every color except true red, and some have a grapelike fragrance. Heights range from dwarf to medium and tall, 9 inches to 4 feet. Some types bloom in spring and fall. Check specialty catalogs for hundreds of varieties. The fleshy divisions called rhizomes are available in the fall. Plant immediately, as they dry out quickly. Keep the rhizome's surface exposed, except in hot areas, where you should cover them lightly with soil. Cut back foliage on established plants only after it starts to die back naturally. Divide every 3 to 4 years after bloom to maintain vigor. Watch for rot in heavy soil and Iris borer. |
One of the most popular of all perennials, they offer an almost limitless choice of flower colors with contrasting beards. Rhizomes multiply quickly, creating clumps of new plants.
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Attributes - Iris x germanica
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Late Spring
Flower Color: Blue, Lavender, Orange, Peach, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1 ft. to 2 ft. 6 in.
Width: 2 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Notes: Cut Flowers, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Black Spot, Caterpillars, Root Rot, Rust.
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